DRDO DRDL Hyderabad Paid Internship 2026: Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released the notification for its Paid Internship Scheme 2026. According to the notification, a total of 165 internship slots are available for eligible final-year engineering and postgraduate students.
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 and undergo a six-month internship at DRDL/ASL/CAS, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad. The internship is particularly useful for students looking to gain practical exposure to defence research, engineering, missile technology and allied scientific activities.
The last date to submit the application is 16 August 2026. Interested candidates must note that this is not a conventional online application process. Candidates are required to fill the prescribed application form, obtain a recommendation/request letter from their Principal or Director, email the scanned documents and subsequently attend a walk-in interview as per the schedule communicated by DRDL.
In this article, we provide complete details about DRDO DRDL Hyderabad Internship 2026, including vacancies, eligibility, age limit, stipend, selection process, application procedure, important dates and required documents.
DRDO DRDL Hyderabad Internship 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad |
| Programme | DRDL Paid Internship Scheme 2026 |
| Notification No. | DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01 |
| Total Internship Slots | 165 |
| Stipend | ₹5,000 per month |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Internship Location | DRDL / ASL / CAS, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Application Mode | Offline / Email + Walk-in Interview |
| Last Date | 16 August 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Application Fee | No fee stated in the notification |
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Vacancy Details
The DRDL Hyderabad internship programme has announced 165 indicative slots across four major branch codes. The number of slots may be increased or decreased at the discretion of DRDL.
| Branch Code | Disciplines Covered | Number of Slots |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Electronics, ECE, E&I, Electrical | 58 |
| ME | Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, Production, Material, Safety, Textile | 87 |
| PH | Mathematics and allied science disciplines | 5 |
| CS | Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security and allied disciplines | 15 |
| Total | All disciplines | 165 |
Among the four categories, the ME branch code has the highest number of slots with 87 vacancies. It covers several engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Production, Material and Safety-related fields.
Who Can Apply for DRDO DRDL Internship 2026?
The DRDL Paid Internship Scheme is primarily intended for students who are currently pursuing their final stage of engineering or relevant postgraduate studies.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should satisfy any of the following requirements:
- Students pursuing the final year of an undergraduate Engineering course.
- Students pursuing a relevant postgraduate Engineering course.
- Students pursuing a postgraduate course in Physical Science, wherever applicable.
The course should be full-time and pursued in the relevant discipline from a recognised Indian university or institute approved by the appropriate regulatory authority such as AICTE or UGC.
The prescribed college request letter indicates that the programme is intended for students in the VII/VIII semester of graduate engineering programmes or I/II year of postgraduate Engineering and Physical Science programmes, as applicable.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Eligibility – Minimum Marks
Candidates must have a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in their current course of study.
For candidates whose institutions use a CGPA system, the percentage should be calculated according to the prescribed method. The notification specifies consideration of the average of completed semesters or academic years for conversion purposes.
Academic performance is an important factor in the selection process. Therefore, candidates should ensure that their marksheets and academic records are available when required.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Age Limit
The maximum age prescribed for candidates is:
Maximum Age: Below 28 years
The notification specifies the upper age limit but does not provide a separate detailed age-relaxation table in the information provided. Candidates should carefully verify the official notification for the applicable age calculation date and any category-specific provisions.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Stipend
One of the major attractions of the DRDL internship programme is the monthly stipend.
Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000
The stipend is applicable to selected interns across the different branch codes. However, payment is subject to the conditions specified in the internship notification.
- The stipend is ₹5,000 per month.
- The stipend is paid in two instalments.
- The first instalment is paid after completion of three months of training.
- Payment is made directly to the intern’s bank account.
- The intern must maintain good performance during the programme.
- A minimum of 15 working days of physical attendance per month is required.
- No stipend is payable if the candidate does not complete the minimum required tenure of three months.
Candidates should therefore understand that the stipend is not simply an upfront monthly payment and is subject to the terms and conditions of the internship programme.
DRDO DRDL Internship Duration
The total duration of the internship is six months. The expected internship period is from approximately September 2026 to February 2027.
The tentative internship start date is 1 September 2026, while the end date mentioned in the college request letter is 28 February 2027.
Interns are expected to work at DRDL/ASL/CAS facilities in Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, according to the requirements of the programme.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Selection Process
The selection process is merit-based and includes screening of applications followed by interaction or interview.
Stage 1: Application Screening
DRDL will initially examine the applications submitted by eligible candidates. Academic performance, eligibility and the required recommendation/request letter from the educational institution are important during this stage.
Stage 2: Walk-In Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a walk-in interview at DRDL, Hyderabad. Candidates may be shortlisted based on their academic percentage and interaction/interview performance.
Since the selection is merit-based, candidates should carry all required original documents and be prepared to discuss their academic background, technical knowledge and area of study.
Stage 3: Character and Police Verification
Shortlisted candidates are required to complete character and police verification formalities. A character certificate from the college and police verification documentation are among the documents specified in the notification.
Stage 4: Document Verification and Joining
Before joining, candidates must submit the required documents, undertakings and certificates. Candidates should ensure that all documents are ready before travelling to Hyderabad.
Documents Required for DRDO DRDL Internship 2026
Selected/shortlisted candidates may be required to produce the following documents:
- Filled DRDL internship application form
- Principal/Director request or recommendation letter
- College ID card
- Aadhaar Card
- All previous semester marksheets
- College Character Certificate
- Police verification acknowledgement/certificate
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the college
- Medical fitness certificate issued by an authorised medical practitioner with at least an MBBS qualification
- Required undertakings
- Indemnity bond signed by the candidate and head of institution, wherever applicable
- Three passport-size photographs
Candidates should carry original documents wherever specifically required for verification.
How to Apply for DRDO DRDL Hyderabad Internship 2026?
The DRDL internship application process is different from a standard online recruitment application. Candidates must follow the prescribed offline/email process.
Step 1: Download the Application Form
Download the official DRDL Internship 2026 notification and print the application format attached to the notification.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
Complete all the required fields in the prescribed application form and attach a recent passport-size photograph wherever required.
Step 3: Obtain Principal/Director Recommendation
Obtain the mandatory request letter from your college Principal or Director. The letter should be issued on the official college letterhead and contain the required office seal and signature.
Step 4: Scan the Documents
Scan the completed application form along with the required college request letter and prepare the documents for email submission.
Step 5: Send the Application by Email
The scanned application should be sent to the internship email address mentioned in the notification:
drdlintern2026@gmail.com
The application should reach the concerned authority on or before 16 August 2026.
Step 6: Attend the Walk-In Interview
Eligible/shortlisted candidates should attend the walk-in interview at DRDL, Hyderabad on the date communicated by the organisation.
Step 7: Carry the Hard Copy
Candidates should carry the required hard copy of the application in an envelope marked appropriately with “Application for Paid Internship” along with the relevant branch code.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | August 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 16 August 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Candidates | 23 August 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Internship End Date | 28 February 2027 |
Note: The dates mentioned in the notification are indicated as tentative. Candidates should verify any subsequent changes or updates through the official DRDO/DRDL communication.
Is There Any Application Fee?
No application fee is stated in the notification.
The DRDL Internship 2026 application does not involve a conventional online payment gateway. Candidates should be cautious of anyone asking for money in the name of DRDL internship selection or application processing.
Important Points to Remember
- A total of 165 indicative internship slots are available.
- The monthly stipend is ₹5,000.
- The internship duration is six months.
- The maximum age is below 28 years.
- Candidates need at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- A recommendation/request letter from the Principal or Director is mandatory.
- The application process is through the prescribed form and email, followed by a walk-in interview.
- Selected interns must maintain the required physical attendance.
- Boarding and lodging expenses are not payable by DRDL.
- The internship does not create any claim for employment in DRDO.
- A completion certificate is issued after successful completion of the full internship and required project formalities.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many internship slots are available in DRDO DRDL Hyderabad Internship 2026?
A total of 165 indicative internship slots are available across EE, ME, PH and CS branch codes.
2. What is the stipend offered under DRDL Internship 2026?
Selected interns will receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month, subject to the conditions specified in the notification.
3. What is the last date to apply for DRDO DRDL Internship 2026?
The last date to submit the application is 16 August 2026.
4. Can final-year engineering students apply?
Yes. Students pursuing the final year of an eligible full-time undergraduate engineering course can apply, subject to meeting the prescribed academic, age and other eligibility requirements.
5. What is the minimum percentage required?
Candidates should have at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the course they are pursuing.
6. Is the DRDL internship application completely online?
No. Candidates need to fill the prescribed application form, obtain the required college request letter, email scanned documents and attend a walk-in interview as per the communicated schedule.
7. What is the duration of the DRDL internship?
The internship duration is six months, expected to run from September 2026 to February 2027.
8. Is there any application fee?
No application fee is stated in the notification.
9. Does the internship guarantee a DRDO job?
No. The internship is a training programme and does not create any claim or entitlement to employment at DRDO.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 – Important Links
| Particular | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Application Form | Click Here |
| DRDO Official Website | Click Here |
Note: Replace the “Click Here” placeholders above with the verified official URLs before publishing the article.
Conclusion
The DRDO DRDL Hyderabad Paid Internship 2026 is a valuable opportunity for eligible final-year engineering and postgraduate students who want practical exposure to defence research and development. With 165 internship slots, a ₹5,000 monthly stipend and a six-month programme at DRDL/ASL/CAS in Hyderabad, the opportunity can provide meaningful technical and project experience.
However, candidates should not wait until the last day because the application requires a Principal/Director request letter and a prescribed application form. Eligible students should prepare their documents early, submit the scanned application by 16 August 2026 and carefully follow the instructions given in the official notification.
Before applying or travelling for the interview, candidates are advised to verify the latest information, interview schedule and any changes directly through the official DRDO/DRDL communication.
